Tanzania, the East African country has just announced 240,159 tons of raw cashews produced in its 2021/22 crop season, from the health benefits of cashews to the economic impact on Tanzania, and the global implications of this figure are monumental. With Tanzania’s cashew industry on the rise, stakeholders in the sector are optimistic about the prospects for the future. The significant developments in cashew production will not only boost Tanzania’s economy but also provide more employment opportunities and increase economic growth. The surge in raw cashew production is a positive development, signaling the continuation of Tanzania’s ascension in the global marketplace.

14% Growth in Raw Cashew Production

Tanzania’s cashew production has surged by 14% over this crop, according to the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) director Francis Mwakabumbe. This impressive increase can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the government and other industry players, who invested heavily in supporting the country’s cashew farming. In the most recent season, Tanzania produced a staggering 240,159 tons of raw cashew nuts. This is a marked improvement from the previous season, which saw Tanzania yield a mere 206,718 tons. The rise in cashew production can also be attributed to the increase in growing regions in Tanzania – currently numbering 17. At present, Mtwara is the most productive of these regions; it contributes more than half the total crop, standing at an impressive 54%.

=> Read more: Where Are Cashew Nuts Grown in Tanzania?

Only 30% of RCN Processed Locally

The Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) director, Francis Mwakabumbe, has revealed that a staggering 70% of cashew nuts harvested in Tanzania are exported as raw cashew nuts (RCN) to countries like India and Vietnam. During the period of January-September 2022, Tanzania exported 208,375 tons of RCN, with Vietnam and India being the primary destinations. Specifically, 112,093 tons went to Vietnam and 96,282 tons to India. Notably, Tanzania’s global competitors, Côte d’Ivoire and Cambodia, are giving it a run for its money. During this period, Côte d’Ivoire shipped an impressive 721,831 tons to its main destinations, while Cambodia’s exports also proved to be noteworthy.

This situation highlights the fact that only 30% of raw cashew nuts are currently being processed locally in Tanzania. Given Tanzania’s abundance of resources, including its fertile soil and abundant cashew trees, it seems only fitting that it should take advantage of this and ramp up its processing capabilities. By taking this step, Tanzania will be able to create more local jobs, retain local wealth, and capitalize on the growing demand for processed cashew nuts from Western markets. As such, it is hoped that more investment will flow into the sector to ensure that Tanzania has the infrastructure and capacity to process these valuable exports locally.

Grading cashew nut kernel at local cashew factory Tanzania

Grading cashew nut kernel at a local cashew factory Tanzania

More About Cashew Harvest Season in Tanzania

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

The total planted area with cashew in Tanzania’s Mainland nuts was 695,683 ha, About 90 percent of the area planted with cashew nuts is found in three regions of Mtwara, Lindi, and Pwani. Mtwara Region (327,281 ha; 47.0 percent) had the largest area planted with cashew nuts, followed by Lindi (207,951 ha. 29.9 percent) and Pwani (91,815 ha; 13.2 percent).

Tanzania Cashews Harvest Season:

Beginning of the season: October
End of season: January, February

The major cashew growing area in Tanzania:

Lindi
Ruvuma
Mtwara
Pwani

90 % of the area is planted with cashew nuts found in three regions of Mtwara, Lindi, and Pwani.

Source: Synthesize multiple sources

Kimmy Farm

A brand specializing in the production and export of agricultural products in Vietnam. We have a black soldier fly farm in Tay Ninh and a cashew growing area in Binh Phuoc. The main export products of the company are: cashew nuts, cashew nut kernels, black soldier fly, frozen seafood, shrimp, prawns, catfish… from Vietnam.